Renaissance music originated in the "New Art" period when Italian and French polyphonic music developed in the 14th century, and composers such as Italian F. Landini and French Marcelo became pioneers of Renaissance music. J tinktoris, a music theorist in the Netherlands in the 15th century, first put forward the concept of "revival" of music in the preface to his book "Balance". This concept was systematically expounded in the 16th century. According to Vasari, a contemporary art historian, the Italian music theorist at that time described the ancient music art as "the pinnacle of perfection" while criticizing the medieval music art. Many papers in this period have a clear tendency to worship ancient music, but they have not led to blind obedience to the authority of classical music. The study of the ancient music art with the unity of music and poetry provided a rational basis for the emergence of opera from the end of 16th century to the beginning of 17th century.

Compared with literature, painting and sculpture directly inspired by classical works, the performance of Renaissance spirit in music is slower. Musicians still have to be trained in the church and serve the church or the court. But the value of secular music has been recognized by people. Music is no longer just an accessory to religious ceremonies, but also an independent art.